History Final Exam Part 2 Flashcards
*Ruled the Mali Empire in West Africa
*Known as one of the richest rulers in history
*Was a devout Muslim who followed Islam
*Famous for his pilgrimage to Mecca (hajj)
*During his journey, his caravan had to cross the Sahara Desert
*Spent and gave away enormous amounts of gold during his pilgrimage
*His generous spending of gold in Cairo actually caused inflation
Mansa Musa (1312-1337)
What is the Mali Empire famous for?
*Located in West Africa along the Niger River
*Controlled important trade routes across the Sahara
*Main source of wealth was gold from mines in the region
*Became extremely wealthy through control of trade
*Timbuktu became a major center of Islamic learning during this period
What were the origins of Judaism?
-Began about 4,000 years ago with Abraham and Sarah
-God called them to leave Mesopotamia and migrate to Canaan
-Revolutionary concept of monotheism (one true God) in a polytheistic world
- God promised Abraham land and many descendants
-This led to the land of Israel and the “chosen people”
-Maintaining the land and keeping people together proved difficult
-Israelites were enslaved in Egypt
-God freed them with the help of prophet Moses
-Moses received the Ten Commandments and hundreds more laws
What were the historical challenges the Israelites faced? (3)
- Israel sits at a crossroads through which many armies marched.
- In 70 AD, Romans destroyed the temple in Jerusalem.
- Judaism transformed from a temple religion with sacrifices to a religion of the book
What are the sacred texts and traditions Jews practice? (4)
- Sacred scriptures make up the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh)
- The Talmud contains hundreds of written discussions and interpretations
- Rich symbolic meaning in daily life (e.g., Passover meal)
- Ceremonies: bar and bat mitzvahs
List three modern Judaism facts.
- 14 million Jews worldwide
- 6 million in Israel, which became independent after WWII
- 5 million in the United States
What were the origins of Islam? (3)
- Began 1,400 years ago with Muhammad
- While meditating in a mountain cave, Muhammad was visited by Angel Gabriel (Jibril)
- Gabriel delivered the words of Allah (the one God of Abraham)
What revelations and scriptures were taught? (4)
- Muhammad received divine messages over 23 years
- These were memorized, taught, and later collected in the Quran
- Quran means “the recitation” and is considered free of human corruption
- Regarded as the finest work of literature in the Arabic language
What is the core identity of a Muslim? (2)
- “Muslim” means one who surrenders/submits to the will of God
- Muhammad is considered the final prophet
What are the five pillars of Islam?
- Shahada: Declaration of faith (“There is no God but Allah, and Muhammad is his final prophet”)
- Salat: Prayer five times daily facing Mecca
- Zakat: Giving 2-3% of net worth to the poor
- Sawm: Fasting during daylight hours for the month of Ramadan
- Hajj: Pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime if able
What is the purpose of faith and practice for Muslims? (3)
- Strengthening willpower and reliance on God
- Preparing for judgment day when believers will stand before God
- Being judged worthy or unworthy of eternal life with God
What is the global presence of Islam currently? (2)
- World’s second-largest religion
- Practiced by over 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide
What was the feudal system? (4)
*Primary Purpose: To protect property and create stability
1. Hierarchical social structure
2. Land-based relationships of obligation
3. Lords provided protection while vassals provided military service
What were the social classes? (5)
They were determined mainly by birth.
-Monarchs (Kings/Queens)
-Nobles (Lords)
- Knights
- Clergy (Church officials)
- Peasants/Serfs
What was a medieval woman’s role?
Managing the household
Young boys (ages 7-14) who learned basic skills
Pages
Teenage boys who trained directly under knights
Squires
Military elite who followed a code of chivalry
Knights
Served as scribes and scholars who preserved knowledge
Monks
-Established that all citizens, including the monarch, are subject to the same set of laws
-Key principle: No one is above the law
Magna Carta (1215)
-Gave ordinary people a voice in government
-Allowed common people to participate in decision-making
Model Parliament (England)
-Hand-written books with painted decoration and precious metals
-Important for preserving knowledge and artistic expression
Illuminated Manuscripts
-Caused by bacteria spread by fleas
-Killed approximately one-third of Europe’s population
-Led to labor shortages and changes in the social order
The Plague (Black Death)
-Led to the decline of feudalism
-Monarchs hired soldiers, making them less dependent on vassals
-Key figure: Joan of Arc, a French military leader who fought against England
Hundred Years War
